“I am sad that the athletes-excluded-sport/” title=”Cross-country skiing – Belarusian athletes excluded – sport”>International Olympic Committee, by its decision to award the Beijing, puts athletes in a difficult position. In addition to sports, athletes have to solve a dilemma that has nothing to do with preparing for their sporting peak,” wrote an elite Czech kayaker.
He did not have to solve a similar dilemma himself, because he was still too young at the time of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. “There is no more than an Olympic gold medal in my sport, so I realize how lucky I was. Lucky I was not and will not be part of an Olympics that an undemocratic country is abusing to improve its image around the world, for which I really glad, “said the 28-year-old.
Like human rights organizations and a number of politicians around the world, he has criticized the Chinese regime. “Unlike others, I did not have to fly to a country where human rights are being violated, there is no freedom of speech there and mainly keep millions of Uighurs in concentration camps …” he said. He feels the right to state his position. “I can keep quiet, but I don’t want to. I’m still an Olympian, not just during the Summer Games, so I want to say what I think.”
He does not envy the current Winter Olympians. “Why does an athlete who has dreamed of starting under five circles since childhood have to ask himself if he will eventually fly to the Olympics in China? Why does he have to download an application that risks the totalitarian regime stealing his personal data? Why should he close his eyes? “What is happening in the country? Just because of the IOC’s decision, which ultimately criticizes athletes as well?” wrote.
He called on the public to understand the Beijing Games. “For athletes, the Olympics are the pinnacle of their careers. Some are heading for a lifetime. Please be lenient and don’t blame the athletes for flying to China. Believe me, the Olympians don’t want to advertise a country like today’s China with their often incredible performance.” he added.
Josef Dostál and his sister Anna after winning a bronze medal from the deblkajak.Photo: Radek Malina, Right
Due to human rights violations by China, a number of great powers, including the United States, have announced a diplomatic boycott of the Games, the absence of top political leaders.
